'Caps partner with Delta School District

May 7, 2008

Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in conjunction with the Delta School District, are proud to announce two new programs – Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy and the Whitecaps Delta School Academy – which are focused on education and soccer skill development.

The Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy is in partnership with the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA) and will include a grade 11 and 12 boys program at North Delta Secondary School. The Whitecaps Delta School Academy is for grades 8 to 10 boys at Delview Secondary School. Both programs will kick off this September 2008. In September 2009, the Whitecaps Delta School Academy partnership will be extended to include a girls academy.

“We are delighted about our new partnership with the Delta School District,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Last year, we launched Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency which is a full-time academics and soccer program targeting the top under-18 boys in Canada. As a result of the immediate success of the Residency program and to help bridge the gap in youth player development, the new prospect and academy programs will provide a direct path for local talent.”

The objective of the Whitecaps Delta School programs is to provide a formal training program, within the school timetable, with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence. The curriculum is designed to enhance the technical and tactical components of the student-athlete's game through extensive on-field and off-field training.

The Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy is a full-time player program with players selected as part of the Whitecaps and BCSA U-17/U-18 transition program in preparation for potential Whitecaps Residency, national team or scholastic opportunities. Players are part of a full-time Whitecaps player program and will be training daily as part of the regular school day.

The Whitecaps Delta School Academy is a regional school program that is open to motivated U-14 to U-16 boys. This program is supplemental training for players to encourage competitive soccer players to combine education with their athletic endeavors.

Whitecaps boys head coach and Delta School District teacher, Bart Choufour, will be instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the program.

“We are very fortunate to have the Whitecaps partner with the Delta School District to offer several soccer academies located at our secondary schools,” said Delta School District Superintendent Steve Cardwell. “These opportunities will not only benefit the students taking part, but will bring excellence, expertise, and excitement to our community. I welcome this new program and look forward to working with the Whitecaps organization in our common goal of enhancing the lives of our students through schooling and sports.”

The Whitecaps and Delta School District will have a public information meeting regarding the new school soccer program on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. at Delview Secondary School.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the designated professional soccer organization for British Columbia. The mandate of the Whitecaps is to foster, develop and promote soccer player development in British Columbia under the statutes and constitutions of its governing bodies. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.

The Delta School District has 25 elementary schools and seven secondary schools. The District is committed to student improvement and high achievement through its mission “to enable all students to meet the challenge of a changing society.” Known for innovative approaches in learning and high level of student success and commitment to quality education, Delta schools have an excellent reputation on assessments of literacy, numeracy and science. The Delta Sport Academies integrate rigorous school programs with specific sport skills, further enabling students to excel academically, athletically and personally.